PORVORIM: The govt stated that the new Rural Development department will be revamped in view of series of shortcomings reported at the erstwhile Rural Development Agency (RDA).
During a discussion following a starred question tabled by BJP Cortalim MLA Alina Saldanha, Minister for Rural Development Michael Lobo stated that the dept will be revamped and revived to ensure delivery of quality work to the people of Goa.
“The RDA recently became a department and we are in the process of filling up vacant posts and providing the entire infrastructure required. I will make sure this department is revamped,” he said.
Alina earlier pointed out that the RDA in South Goa is facing an acute staff shortage, due to which various works are pending. She lamented that as against the required strength of one executive engineer, two assistant engineers and junior engineers each; the RDA South Goa only has one executive engineer and also doesn’t have a vehicle to monitor various works undertaken or to carry out other official duties.
While acknowledging the various problems faced by South RDA, Michael said he would resolve the matter within 15 days.
During the discussion, the minister admitted that the dept had been neglected in the past however he will take up the responsibility to elevate its functioning on par with the PWD. He reiterated that all the necessary staff will be recruited in the department within three months.
